What if the darkest seasons of your life became the foundation of your greatest clarity?

In this soul-deep episode of The Knowing Podcast, host Christene Marie sits down with Sammy Aslam—entrepreneur, former convict, and the heart behind Alyshaan Fine Rugs—to explore identity, emotional safety, love, addiction recovery, and the surprising transformations that happen in solitude.

From how prison shaped his inner world to the intimacy and safety he’s found in his marriage, Sammy brings humor, wisdom, and raw truth to the table. You’ll leave this conversation reflecting on what parts of yourself are worth keeping—and which ones it’s finally time to release.

0:00 Intro

0:30 Podcast Intro

1:08 Sammy Guest Intro

4:27 Addiction, Loyalty & the Bond That Survived It

10:52 KPIs for Healthy Relationships? Yes, Please

16:00 The Power of Being Deeply Understood In Relationships

18:37 Emotional Protection vs. Codependency

26:17 Christene’s Story: Pain, Protection, and Childhood Illness

34:17 Understanding as a Bridge to Empathy

41:00 How Prison Made Me Who I Am

44:07 Identifying Who You Want to Be (Through Books)

50:30 Final Reflection: Knowing You Still Have Work To Do

📚Recommended Books to Read discussed in this episode:

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

💬 Comment below: What part of this conversation stayed with you?
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Sammy Aslam is the co-owner of Alyshaan Fine Rugs, Arizona’s premier destination for high-end, ethically sourced, and design-forward area rugs. Located in Scottsdale and serving luxury clients across the U.S., Alyshaan is renowned for its integrity, curated quality, and unmatched customer service.

Sammy brings the same thoughtfulness, emotional intelligence, and clarity to his work in the rug industry as he does to his life and relationships. Whether you’re furnishing a space—or healing one—you’ll feel the difference.

🔗 Visit: www.alyshaan.com